Samsung’s Tailor-Made Commercial Air-Conditioning Solutions Spark Growth Surge

The air-conditioning (AC) industry is currently experiencing a range of changes and challenges as the market becomes more focused on improving energy efficiency and expanding into the smart building field.

Broadly speaking, commercial buildings make use of two types of AC systems, namely: central air-conditioning systems, which control overall indoor temperatures, and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, which provide temperature control for individual rooms and spaces. The former provides a type of ready-made air conditioning, while the latter offers a more adaptive, tailor-made system.

With the addition of in AC products designed for family use, central air-conditioning and VRF systems comprise the top three global AC markets.

Recently, traditional VRF systems have received a further boost in the form of an improved network, enhanced functions and a range of sensors that all create more customizable Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, while at the same time decreasing overall energy consumption.

Samsung Electronics intends to provide the air-conditioning industry with a further boost by delivering innovative products that meet the demands of global consumers, especially in the commercial sector.

“As we enter the era of the Internet of Things (IoT), the industry will begin upon a new phase of practicality whereby construction, communication and other services will merge to offer customers the best ground-up experiences,” said Charles Park, Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ Digital Appliances Business.

Park added, “Samsung has the ability to link its leading communication devices with innovative air-conditioning products, including HVAC solutions. That puts the company in a great position in terms of embracing the opportunities ahead.”

Samsung’s new 360 Cassette units operating at a duty free shop in Korea

Since October last year, Samsung has hosted a series of global roadshows, taking in 117 cities to showcase its air conditioning product range, inviting more than 9,000 B2B customers from 50 countries. Samsung met approximately 4,500 partners, winning a favorable response for its new high-end products, including the 360 Cassette unit.

“The 360 Cassette model guides air to form a complete and comprehensive, 360-degree horizontal dispersion, and preventing direct airflow onto individuals in the room. It also ensures fast, even cooling throughout interior settings,” said Park. “It has a very stylish design, so we are receiving a lot of orders from large franchisors like chains of cafés and luxury retailers.”

Conventional 4-way cassette systems, often used in coffee shops and hospitals, usually require wind deflectors to minimize cold air drafts. The 360 Cassette, on the other hand, eliminates the drawbacks of its predecessors, making a meaningful difference for indoor environments.

Although Samsung is something of a late bloomer in the AC market—one that boasts a century-long history—the company is rapidly emerging as an industry leader by applying unmatched technological innovations to its products.

At Milan’s Mostra Convegno Expocomfort 2016 (MCE), the largest HVAC exhibition in Europe, Samsung showcased its innovative AC solutions at work in real-life applications over 800 square meters of floor space—the biggest display at the expo—from March 15-18.

Samsung showcased its new AC range for four different locations—retail businesses, hotels, residential spaces and offices—as well its Smart Home solution at MCE 2016.

In addition, four of Samsung’s new air conditioning products were recognized for their excellence. Samsung’s 360 Cassette and DVM Chiller were acknowledged for their “Efficiency & Innovation Path (Percorso Efficienza & Innovazione),” while the DVM S 30HP and 8-pole Inverter (UG9AJ3090FER) were recognized in MCE’s “Beyond Class A (Oltre la Classe A)” initiative in their respective categories.

“While it has only been about a decade since Samsung started engaging in the VRF AC system business, our buyers believe that our products will be the industry trendsetters,” said Park. “This rings especially true when it comes to our 2016 products, including the 360 Cassette indoor unit and the DVM S, which has the highest capacity in its class.”

In addition, four of Samsung’s new air conditioning products were recognized for their excellence. Samsung’s 360 Cassette and DVM Chiller were acknowledged for their “Efficiency & Innovation Path (Percorso Efficienza & Innovazione),” while the DVM S 30HP and 8-pole Inverter (UG9AJ3090FER) were recognized in MCE’s “Beyond Class A (Oltre la Classe A)” initiative in their respective categories.

“While it has only been about a decade since Samsung started engaging in the VRF AC system business, our buyers believe that our products will be industry trendsetters,” said Park. “This rings especially true when it comes to our 2016 products, including the 360 Cassette indoor units and the DVM S, which has the highest capacity in its class.”

Going forward, VRF products will work in tandem with IoT technology to create intelligent AC systems that can deliver precise cooling, heating and ventilation tailored to the needs of people in individual rooms.

Through the development of its Smart Vertical Solution, an intelligent AC system, as well as general IoT-ready VRF products, Samsung remains one step ahead as it prepares to develop smart building systems in the near future.

Said Park, “We are hoping to create a growth opportunity in the global commercial AC systems market by applying industry-leading innovation to our products, and combining these with intelligent AC solutions.”

Samsung is equipping its VRF AC products with Internet connectivity features. Included are (from left): the 360 Cassette, the DVM S 30HP and the DVM S Eco.